Ottawa police airport units can now carry carbines

Police units at the Ottawa airport now have carbines at their disposal.
The short, military-style assault rifles will improve public safety and help officers respond to any security threat, a news release stated.

Police units at the Ottawa airport now have carbines at their disposal.

The short, military-style assault rifles will improve public safety and help officers better respond to any security threat, a news release stated.

“In today’s climate, this additional piece of equipment allows us to continue to be prepared and respond to events that may affect the safety and security of our community and travellers to Ottawa,” Ottawa police airport Staff Sgt. Atallah Sadaka said.

“This is a preventive and proactive measure, and not indicative of any intelligence or threat. Our goal is to enhance existing security measures at our airport.”

Some units of the Ottawa Police Service have been using carbines since 2006.

“The Ottawa Airport Authority strives to ensure the highest degree of safety and security for all users of the airport,” said Mark Laroche, Ottawa Airport Authority president and CEO.

“This includes working closely with our law enforcement partners to regularly employ various security measures such as the deployment of the Ottawa Police Service carbines.”